House Passes Meng Legislation to Strengthen Rewards Program that Fights Terrorism and International Crime

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) announced today that the House has passed her legislation to strengthen the Rewards for Justice program, a key government initiative used to fight terrorism and other international crimes.

The program allows the Secretary of State to pay cash rewards for information that leads to the apprehension anybody involved in international terrorism, narcotics trafficking, transnational crime, war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide.

Meng’s measure would add rewards for those who provide information on individuals who “aid” or “abet” war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide. Currently, people who offer information on individuals who “aid” or “abet” these kinds of criminal acts do not qualify for this type of financial reward.

“The Rewards For Justice Program is a great tool in our country’s fight against terrorism and other crimes, and my provision would make it even better,” said Meng, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. “It is critical that we use all resources at our disposal to bring international criminals to justice. I look forward to this legislation now moving through the Senate.”

Meng’s measure passed as part of the State Department Authorities Act.